While Reds manager Dusty Baker was talking to reporters in his office before a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Phillips interrupted. The three-time All-Star began shouting at Rosecrans about two of the reporters tweets that bothered him. The tweets related to Phillips’ on-base percentage and his move from clean-up to the second spot in the batting lineup.

The Cincinnati Enquirer released a statement about the exchange.

Phillips took exception to our analysis concerning his on-base percentage and a follow-up tweet after being moved into the second spot in the lineup. It is a fair subject to consider, and one our readers would expect us to address.

While we are disappointed in Phillips’ reaction, we understand it is a pennant race and emotions are high during a crucial series with a heated rival. This isn’t the first time a player has lost his temper in response to a reporters questions and it won’t be the last. It is part of covering the team day-in day-out.

Shortly before Cincinnati’s game against St. Louis began, Rosecrans tweeted that Phillips “didn’t want to talk about it” when asked about the move in the lineup.